Tag Archives: donnie shell

Shell, Donnie

Upper Deck Legends 1997, #AL-24

CARD: Upper Deck Legends 1997
ACQUIRED: Ebay, 2022

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Donnie Shell played DB at South Carolina State.
  • He’d sign as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974.
  • A key member of the secondary during the heyday of the Steel Curtain, Shell became a fulltime starter in 1977.
  • Had 6 seasons in a row of 5 or more interceptions from 1979-’84.
  • Widely regarded as one of the greatest FS during the Dead Ball Era.
  • Played 14 seasons for the the Steelers retiring after the 1987 season and 201 games.
  • At the time of his retirement, Donnie was the all-time leader at FS in interceptions, with 51.
  • Jumped into the front office after retirement working with the Carolina Panthers as the Director of Pro Player Personnel from 1994-’09.

ACCOLADES:

  • Pro Football Hall of Fame 2020
  • PFRA 2013 Class of Very Good
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
  • Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
  • Pro Bowl 1978-’82
  • All Pro 1979, 1980, 1982

NOTES:

Donnie was long overdue for PFHOF recognition which only underscores how disrespected the position is held by voters.

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